New Initiative Aims to Provide Clean Water to 75 Philippine Municipalities

In an ambitious move to enhance public health and development, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has unveiled a P1 billion initiative aimed at supplying 75 municipalities across the Philippines with access to clean and safe drinking water. This initiative was introduced under the banner of the Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (SAFPB) project during an event in Cebu City on February 21.

The SAFPB, part of the Local Government Support Fund, is specifically designed to aid lower-class municipalities, namely those classified as 4th, 5th, and 6th, in developing resilient water supply and sanitation services. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the project’s goal to ensure that communities in these areas can enjoy the basic necessity of clean water.

A distinctive aspect of the SAFPB project is its participatory budgeting approach, which involves not just government officials but also Civil Society Organizations in the planning, execution, and oversight of the water supply and sanitation projects. This collaborative effort is a step towards fostering open governance and ensuring that the initiatives are closely aligned with the needs of the communities they aim to serve.

The DBM has allocated funding ranging from P6 million to P13 million for each of the beneficiary municipalities, which include locales in Quezon province, Bohol, and Lanao del Norte, among others. This financial support is expected to significantly impact local development, enhancing public health and contributing to poverty reduction by providing sustainable water and sanitation solutions.

Through this project, the DBM reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for Filipinos, particularly those in underprivileged areas. The initiative is a testament to the government’s dedication to ensuring accessible and clean water for all, recognizing its critical role in the nation’s overall growth and wellbeing.